Vigil held for security guard killed in R.V. Taylor community

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Friends and family of a security guard who was shot and killed this weekend, held a candlelight vigil in his honor on Thursday night.

Phillip Wright, 67, was gunned down early Saturday, October 20 in the R.V. Taylor community, where he worked as a security guard. Relatives gathered in Cathedral Square on Oct. 25 to remember the father of 4.

“This is a great loss for us and its going to take us a long time to get over this,” said Wright’s brother, Abraham.

Family members remembered Wright as a caring and energetic man. They said he had just learned to play the piano and recently had his first recital.

“He was more than just a father to me. He was a friend,” said Wright’s son, Wendell. “Whenever I needed anything, he came to me.”

So far no arrests have been made in the murder.

Mobile Police Chief Michael T. Williams attended the vigil and promised the community justice for this crime.

Supporters said they want to send a message to others who have been affected by violence.

“It's just something, senseless, you know and like the Chief was saying we got to try and put a stop to it,” said Wright’s brother, Alarick.

Family members said Wright’s funeral will be held at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on Texas street, Saturday at 11 a.m.